Home > Salary > Switzerland > Principal Mechanical Engineer
A principal mechanical engineer is a highly skilled professional responsible for leading and overseeing mechanical engineering projects. They play a crucial role in the design, development, and implementation of mechanical systems and components. Their main tasks include conducting research, analyzing data, and creating technical specifications. They collaborate closely with other engineers and professionals to ensure that projects meet quality standards and adhere to safety regulations. Additionally, they provide guidance and mentorship to junior engineers, review and approve project plans, and manage budgets and resources. This occupation requires strong analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as a deep understanding of mechanical engineering principles and practices.
Estimated Yearly Salary: 211,357 CHF
Estimated Monthly Salary: 17,613 CHF
Estimated Weekly Salary: 4,065 CHF per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 102 CHF per hour
Values are pre-tax
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Estimated Monthly Salary: 17,063 CHF
Estimated Weekly Salary: 3,938 CHF per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 98 CHF per hour
Last revision of data: 2024-01-03
Estimated Yearly Salary: 211,288 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 17,607 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 4,063 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 102 USD per hour
Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately
3 %
Data confidence is - relatively high
Data fetched from dabase: 14 submissions.
Results are anonymized. Amounts indicated are pre-tax, meaning no deductionts yet have been made to the basic salary. Salaries where there are less than 3 entries are not displayed.
Want to check how your salary compares? Submit your own salary here
Estimated Yearly Salary: 211,357 CHF
Estimated Monthly Salary: 17,613 CHF
Estimated Weekly Salary: 4,065 CHF per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 102 CHF per hour
By working as Principal Mechanical Engineer a person can save up to 14,141 USD per month or 169,686 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.
NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.
For more information regarding expenses in Switzerland, see costs of living in Switzerland.
Estimated Yearly Salary for Principal Mechanical Engineer
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Data as of 2025
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Principal Mechanical Engineer salary in Switzerland
Average Yearly Salary of Principal Mechanical Engineer in Switzerland is approximately 211,357 CHF (211,288 USD). Data is for 2025 and indicates a pre-tax value. The salary itself depends on multiple factors such as seniority, job performance, certifications, experience or any other bonuses. The value indicated is an average amount based on records we have in database. Real values may vary. The data is for orientational purposes.
What does Principal Mechanical Engineer do?

Skills: Principal Mechanical Engineer, Mechanical Engineering, Project Management, Design and Development, Technical Specifications, Leadership
Job industry: Engineering
Job industry: Engineering
How much does Principal Mechanical Engineer make?
Salary details
How much does Principal Mechanical Engineer make?Estimated Yearly Salary: 211,357 CHF
Estimated Monthly Salary: 17,613 CHF
Estimated Weekly Salary: 4,065 CHF per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 102 CHF per hour
Comparing salary to last year:
Estimated Yearly Salary: 204,751 CHFEstimated Monthly Salary: 17,063 CHF
Estimated Weekly Salary: 3,938 CHF per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 98 CHF per hour
Principal Mechanical Engineer estimated salary in USD
For easier comparison here is an estimated salary in USD:Estimated Yearly Salary: 211,288 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 17,607 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 4,063 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 102 USD per hour
Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately
About these results
Data confidence is - relatively high Data fetched from dabase: 14 submissions.
Results are anonymized. Amounts indicated are pre-tax, meaning no deductionts yet have been made to the basic salary. Salaries where there are less than 3 entries are not displayed.
Want to check how your salary compares? Submit your own salary here
Compare salary to other countries
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Country:
Salary comparison to National average
Switzerland, a landlocked country in Central Europe, is known for its stunning landscapes, including the Swiss Alps, picturesque lakes, and charming cities. With a population of approximately 8.6 million people, Switzerland is relatively small in size, covering an area of around 41,290 square kilometers.
Estimated national average yearly salary is 78,716 CHF (86,670 USD). Value indicated is pre-tax. Below graph shows estimated Principal Mechanical Engineer job salary compared to average salary in Switzerland.
Comparison shows that a person working as Principal Mechanical Engineer in Switzerland earns on average:
2.69 times the average salary (or 269% of average salary).
Estimated national average yearly salary is 78,716 CHF (86,670 USD). Value indicated is pre-tax. Below graph shows estimated Principal Mechanical Engineer job salary compared to average salary in Switzerland.
Comparison shows that a person working as Principal Mechanical Engineer in Switzerland earns on average:
2.69 times the average salary (or 269% of average salary).
Is Principal Mechanical Engineer a well paid job?
Yes, our data show that Principal Mechanical Engineer is a very well paid job. With years and experience the salary might increase even further, resulting in higher satisfaction.What is considered a high salary for Principal Mechanical Engineer?
High salary for Principal Mechanical Engineer would be somewhere between 232,493 CHF and 306,468 CHF. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.How much can you save working as Principal Mechanical Engineer in Switzerland?
Living in Switzerland the approximate monthly expenses are: 3,467 USD. This amount covers basic needs such as food, housing, clothing, healthcare and education costs for a single person. No luxury expenses such as traveling, leisure, hobbies are included in the estimation.Estimated Yearly Salary: 211,357 CHF
Estimated Monthly Salary: 17,613 CHF
Estimated Weekly Salary: 4,065 CHF per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 102 CHF per hour
By working as Principal Mechanical Engineer a person can save up to 14,141 USD per month or 169,686 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.
NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.
For more information regarding expenses in Switzerland, see costs of living in Switzerland.
Salary comparison to region and neighbouring coutries
Country's neighbours are: Germany, France, Italy, Austria, Liechtenstein. To make it easier for comparison a conversion from local currency to USD has been made (conversion rates may vary).Estimated Yearly Salary for Principal Mechanical Engineer
Salary increase per years of experience
Based on data available the salary increase per years of experience is as following- 0 years (beginner) equals base salary
- 1 to 5 years of experience yields
- 6 to 10 years of experience yields
- 11 to 15 years of experience yields
- 16 to 25 years of experience yields
- more than 25 years of experience yields
Top 10 highest salaries in Switzerland
(935,793 CHF per year, pre-tax.)
2. Cardiologist
(777,775 CHF per year, pre-tax.)
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(728,038 CHF per year, pre-tax.)
5. Neurosurgeon
(726,247 CHF per year, pre-tax.)
(709,748 CHF per year, pre-tax.)
7. Urologist
(708,489 CHF per year, pre-tax.)
8. Oncologist
(708,320 CHF per year, pre-tax.)
(708,260 CHF per year, pre-tax.)
(707,855 CHF per year, pre-tax.)
Random salary:
Fitness instructor (73,883 CHF per year, pre-tax.)
Library director (110,176 CHF per year, pre-tax.)
Community health coordinator (59,816 CHF per year, pre-tax.)
Development engineer (144,876 CHF per year, pre-tax.)
Charge nurse (lvnlpn) (87,939 CHF per year, pre-tax.)
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